HFF 2015 Interview: The Big Lonely Director/Executive Producer David Manougian

Courage takes on many different faces. Sometimes courage comes in the form of heroic feats, other times it can take enormous courage to pick up the pieces of a broken life and just put one foot in front of the other.

Michael’s story is that of a man whose life spiraled downward leaving him homeless and penniless. Rather than live under a bridge, Michael and his dog, Tic, moved into the middle of the harsh and unforgiving Oregon Wilderness and built a secret cabin on government land.

In this stunning, self-shot account of Michael’s seventh year of isolation in the wilderness, you are immersed in his world. Feel hungry as he fights starvation, shiver when he’s cold, cry when he relives a life gone wrong and celebrate with him the simplest of life’s beauties.

The Big Lonely will transport you into a world of survival, loneliness, redemption and courage.

The Big Lonely is a 2015 Heartland Film Festival Official Selection, Documentary Feature.

We spoke with Director/Executive Producer David Manougian about his film:

HF: What is your film about, and how did the project come to be?

DM: The Big Lonely is about a man who after becoming homeless decided that he couldn’t live under a bridge so instead moved into the middle of the wilderness and built a secret cabin. The film not only explores the physical hardships of survival but the mental challenges Michael faces as he battles loneliness, shame, and comes to grips with a life gone wrong. Its both sad and courageous as you watch Michael deal with his own demons and search for redemption and peace.

HF: What was your role in the production?

DM: I was the Director and Executive Producer.

HF: Why did you submit to the Heartland Film Festival? Have you been to the Festival before?

DM: I have been to Heartland before as a consumer and have to honestly say that it is my favorite film festival. Heartland truly celebrates what is special about film and was so impressed at the relationship between the filmmakers and Heartland.. At the time, I had begun my movie and said to my friend, “this is my first choice of festivals for The Big Lonely.”

HF: This year’s tagline is “Movies That Stay with You” – what lasting effect will your film have on moviegoers?

DM: When I saw the tagline for the Festival, I was so happy because there seems to be one common theme from people who see this film and it is, “I cant stop thinking about this film… I want to know how Michael and Tic are doing and how can I help them?”

HF: What has inspired you to become a filmmaker?

DM: I’ve loved movies and television for as long as I can remember. I’ve had the great fortune to spend years on the television side and am so very excited to have finished my first film.

HF: What is something that you know about filmmaking now, but you weren’t told when you started your career?

DM: Just how many spectacular films and filmmakers are out there. It’s so very impressive.

HF: What are some of your favorite movies? What’s your favorite worst movie (you know it’s bad, but still love it)?

DM: The Godfather, The Sound of Music, It’s Wonderful Life, Birdman, and really enjoyed the recent About Time.. these would all be on the favorite list.. As far as favorite worst movie maybe Roadhouse. Can’t seem to turn off a move with Sam Elliott.

HF: How many film festivals has your film been a part of? What do you like the most about the festival experience?

DM: Heartland will be the 4th festival for The Big Lonely. My two favorite aspects of the festival are meeting other filmmakers and being able to talk with people after they have seen the film.

HF: Heartland Film Festival moviegoers love filmmaker Q&As. Let’s say a Festival attendee wants to earn some brownie points—what is a question that you’d love to answer, but haven’t yet been asked?

DM: Well this is perfect because I too love the Q & A sessions. And I’ve been so impressed at the questions I have gotten after the screenings. But I would say questions about how Michael keeps going, what’s his motivation to not give up, to keep living and not just walk outside during the winter, lean up against the tree and in ten minutes end his life.